One of the main things international students should consider thoroughly before studying abroad is their living expenses. Even if the cost of living in Australia is widely-known to be high, planning could save you a lot of money. Read on to find out how.

1. Research The Cost of Living 

The Cost of Living in Melbourne 

The average cost of living in Melbourne is approximately A$1432 per month, excluding rent. It is not cheap; however, students have their discount cards, and you can get a list of the best cheap eats if you ask locals. Furthermore, you can reduce food costs by visiting local markets for groceries instead of big supermarkets if you like cooking. Fresh food markets can be found in the city centre and all around Melbourne. 

The Cost of Living in Perth 

It could reach A$1,302⁷ per month for a single person. An average of A$95 per week is spent on food. The average cost of living in Perth when it comes to food is cheaper if you calculate it per day. For example, you can get a roasted whole chicken at Woolworths or Coles for A$10 with wholemeal bread for A$1.5. Over three days, this is less than A$4 per day.

The cost of living in Brisbane 

A$1,332 is the monthly cost of living in Brisbane; while the city is not as expensive as Sydney, for example, the city is fairly expensive when it comes to transportation. So to save up on that part, invest in a Go Card and maybe pick up a Brisbane student accommodation that is within easy walking distance from your university. 

The Cost of Living in Adelaide 

The weekly cost of living in Adelaide falls between $330 and $645, depending on the students’ lifestyle. It is one of the budget-friendly cities international students can stay in. 

2. Set a Student Budget Plan

If you set an applicable college student budget plan, anything that comes later could be swiftly handled. List all the obligatory bills and life essentials you have to buy every week. Yes, every week, not every month, so it is easier to track and change the plan if things go wrong. You have to track all your outings and save on shopping and leisure centres, museums, beaches, wildlife parks, events, festivals, and all the student activities there are. Also, you have to consider how to exchange currency without having to pay huge fees And you should also consider getting a job.

Here’s a tip: use Expatistan to calculate your cost of living.

3. Choose Your Student Accommodation Wisely

Choosing your student accommodation in Australia is one of the major decisions you will have to take. Your student housing should be close to your university to reduce expenses and save money. Furthermore, you have to research the means of transportation around your accommodation to ensure you can get to and from anywhere you want. Furthermore, try to find an all-inclusive student accommodation.

Casita’s search bar gives you the advantage of writing your university/college name, and it will get you the closest accommodation to it in no time. Also, student accommodation in Australia has a wide range of room types, from studios and en-suites to single and shared rooms, so choose what best suits your budget and needs.

4. Shop at Street & Flea Markets in Australia

Even if your self-contained studio in Australia or your student en-suite room has everything you’ve ever wanted, you will still need to buy some stuff. So to reduce household costs, aim for street and flea markets across Australia to buy groceries, clothes, drinks, and even stationary.  

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5. Hunt Student Discounts in Australia

One of the most effective ways to reduce monthly living expenses in Australia is to look up student deals and discounts. You can get discounts on transportation, rails, buses, groceries, clothes, and even electronics. Read our Benefits and Discounts for Students in Australia blog article to know which cards to get.

6. Apply for a Student Job in Australia

Away from putting extra cash in your pocket, finding a student job in Australia will boost your interpersonal and professional skills. So even if you think you have no time to keep a job while studying, try it at least for a while, and you will discover it was worth it. 

7. Ask for Advice

Gather some pieces of advice from like-minded students or your senior student accommodation mates when it comes to setting a budgeting plan, cheap shopping around Australia, and hunting student discounts and deals. They will always give you credible information out of the experience, so do not shy out from seeking any advice.

Living abroad indeed needs much consideration and planning. Still, when done right, it will turn into a memorable experience that will give knowledge and skills.